Techniques

Francis is an umbrella advocate, eschewing typical rainwear. Find out why he's backpacked over 12,500 miles with an umbrella... and decide if you should follow his lead. Read More...

Rotating feature with tips and illustrations from Mike Clelland!'s new book: Ultralight Backpackin' Tips Read More...

Poking poles around for added stability is fairly intuitive, but the full promise of two more legs - greater endurance, building upper body strength, and reducing injury from stress or falls - requires some technique. Try Skip's straightforward and effective approach! Read More...

An easy introduction to working with down, this vest has no frills, bells, or whistles: just warm insulation where you need it most! Read More...

Thru-hiking is not simply a longer version of a backpacking trip. Considering thru-hiking a long trail? Make sure you know what you're getting into and set yourself up for success. Read More...

While most grizzly behavior is predictable, there is always an extent to which animals are unpredictable, and thus hiking in grizzly country is inherently dangerous, even if the statistical hazard is very small. Read up on salient safety issues before your next late season backpacking or hunting trip. Read More...

What sets successful thru-hikers apart from the rest of the pack? Superfitnessawesomesauce? A trust fund? The best gear? The answer may surprise you. Read More...

Use the ubiquitous smartphone to get where you're going, with details on four apps that support maps for more places (not just the States). All you need do is supply the adventure. Read More...

The kid-sized kit: Gear should not become an end in itself. The point is to get out and enjoy the woods with kids. Ultralight gear is exciting because it enables kids to do things they could not otherwise do! Read More...

Everything boils down to a few simple rules that can encompass a surprising range of scenarios! Read More...

Tips and tricks expand upon previously published articles: check out Luke's six iterations and glean ideas for perfecting YOUR custom-made pack! Read More...

What's better than a communal, one-pot meal between hiking buddies under the stars? Learn how to make a pot stand/windscreen that's sturdy enough to hold a large pot filled with dinner and light enough to not bow your backpack. Read More...

Turning 2.5 yards of high performance fabric into a lightweight, breathable rain jacket. Read More...

Insights from the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic. Read More...

Calculating how much food to take on a trip? My goal is to be perfectly satisfied during my time in the backcountry, but to walk out of the mountains with absolutely ZERO food. It is so gratifying to eat that last raisin on the last mile of the last day. If I can do that, the math worked out perfectly. Read More...

Practice makes perfect: using polyethylene to prototype designs means I can spend less and try more variations before sewing a final product in technical materials. Read More...

Come see the softer side of making your own cozy fleece items! Read More...

We asked, you answered! Responses to our solicitation for the best tarp pitch using the fewest poles, stakes, or guylines. Read More...

Techniques and gear for the lightweight backcountry coffee connoisseur, because under no circumstances should you let a non-coffee drinker brew your bliss. Read More...

Facilitating the transportation of fecal hitchhikers from your exhaust pipe orifice to your fuel filler neck orifice is one of the biggest backcountry threats. Stop these illegal immigrants en route, because we all know you can't close the border! Read More...

A roomy floorless tent that sleeps two easily and four in a pinch, this 22-ounce beauty will be the pride of your pack! Read More...

A gem of MYOG: with an 11-ounce weight and 3500-cubic-inch volume, this pack is simple to make and elegant to behold. Read More...

We asked, you answered: Lightweight Testimony Contest Runner Up! Read More...

We asked, you answered: Lightweight Testimony Contest Runner Up! Read More...

We asked, you answered: Lightweight Testimony Contest Runner Up! Read More...

Perform an easier-yet-secure PCT Bear Bag Hang without using the traditional stick + clove hitch. This MYOG is simple, functional, and lightweight! Read More...

We asked, you answered: Lightweight Testimony Contest Winner! Read More...

Functionality and practicality are the benefits of this windscreen that stores neatly within your cookpot. Read More...

Hiking poles + paddle blades = the Poddle, the ultimate multi-tool for hiking and packrafting or kayaking! Read More...

Silnylon and spinnaker fabric have long been mainstays in making ultralight gear, but they require careful construction to avoid failures at seams or damage from abrasion. Laminating the fabric offers a solution to those problems. Read More...

As lightweight backpackers, we obsess over the weight of every piece of gear we carry, but many of us give little thought to the weight of the heaviest piece of gear of all: ourselves. How do we begin to treat our own weight with the same care that we treat the weight of our gear? By doing what we already do well: going light. Read More...

Episode 3: The first big snowfall of the season (in September!) had us traversing the Hyalite-Cottonwood divide for snow hiking and camping. Read More...

Hiking through the French Pyrenees is challenging for any young couple hoping to enjoy some relaxation and romance in between climbing passes and breaking camp. The afternoon heat - often ending in a violent thunderstorm - brings more than one overloaded backpacker to boiling point. Now enter a six-kilo, breast-fed, three-month-old baby. Great family trip or a bad idea? Read More...

With temperatures that ranged from -5 F to 40 F, the Bob Marshall Wilderness threw some formidable weather our way and reminded us: this stuff ain't for the faint of heart! Read More...

Treat your leather nicely, THEN abuse the ever-loving daylights out of it. Read More...

How books about or by famous UL walkers, a sewing machine, and the most devoted UL community on the planet got me back on the trail and going light. Read More...

Episode 2: we focused on fast food preparation and the elimination of a whole lotta gear by hiking into a U.S. Forest Service lookout cabin. Read More...

The whys and wheres of catenary curves, with downloadable spreadsheet for calculating your own MYOG curve masterpieces. Read More...

I got less - and more - than I bargained for. Read More...

Quit making it so hard: jeepers, just cram a few things in your pack and let's go! Read More...

Six steps to streamline your planning from dreaming up a trip to walking out the door. Read More...

You have 24 hours to quickly engage in a Wild Place with minimal disruption to your job or your family. Where will YOU go? Read More...

I like gear. I collect gear with an almost rabid enthusiasm, and I almost always have a place to put it. Read More...

The venerable Coghlans orange potty trowel is a fine idea, but it weighs 51 grams and has been known to crack and break under heavy use. Can we do better with some titanium sheet? Read More...

I was perfectly content to let others do all the lightweight lifting, but at the first chance of a packrafting class (learning to play without buying the gear!), I jumped... and pulled my husband, Rob, with me. Read More...

Learn the tips and techniques to ensure that YOU, not bears, are eating your food at the end of the day. Read More...

How can lightweight backpacking translate and relate to financial management? Doesn't all that lightweight loot cost money? Read More...

The literal translation of the Japanese word 'Tenkara' is 'from Heaven.' Fitting for a lightweight fly rod characterized by elegance, grace, and simplicity. Read More...

Building a fire is nothing short of an art form, and no one can teach you everything you'd need to know to perfect it in a ten-minute video. Instead of attempting to do this (perfecting your form), we've simply highlighted some of the gear and techniques used to start a fire. Read More...

The Steripen Adventurer has many firm believers, but almost everyone agrees that the screw which holds the lid of the battery case shut is awful. So... replace it with something better, cooler, and made by hand! Read More...

Serious illness in remote areas can end poorly. Knowing your group's fitness level, experience, and lightweight ethic are key parts to a successful self-rescue and a happy ending. Read More...

After taking a Wilderness Trekking course from Andrew Skurka and Don Wilson, I wanted to try the Philmont Scout Ranch in a UL style. By stepping out of my existing comfort zone, I discovered a whole new one. Read More...

The interactions between retailer and consumer can have a dramatic influence on the gear carried and experience had by a consumer. We examine the tools both retailers and consumers can use in evaluating gear and determining the best lightweight options for individuals. Read More...

Making a baffled down quilt is simple compared to making a baffled down sleeping bag. Both are described in this article, with the emphasis on the quilt. Read More...

We've covered several skills of assessing and avoiding fire. Whether passing through, sheltering in, or simply going near a fire area, there are particular hazards beyond immolation to be aware of. Read More...

Getting emotionally disturbed boys working together to take a backpacking trip is a big job... with many setbacks, limited gear, and almost no budget. Read More...

We can now distinguish parts of a fire, know some basics of wildfire behavior, and are familiar with the fundamental suppression method. We come to the crux question: how do you get away? Read More...

As light hikers, we cover large distances and travel more deeply into remote areas than many other wilderness users. As a result, we're more likely than most wilderness users to encounter uncontrolled and unreported fires. How do you assess the fire and anticipate its movement? What do you do? Read More...

The performance of a particular alcohol stove fuel is generally related to the amount of heating energy in that fuel, which changes when you blend water into different alcohols. But how does it change, and which blend should you use? Read More...

A durable camera case made from cheap and free materials. Read More...

Light alcohol stoves are very popular, but there is a lot of confusion over what sort of alcohol should be used and whether blending different alcohols together has any effect. In this, Part One, we comprehensively examine the performance and safety of three common alcohol fuels and of a range of blends. Read More...

It would be so nice to have a light pulk strapped onto my pack so that I more or less would be able instantly to switch back and forth between pack and pulk. Witness the creation of the Incredible Rulk! Read More...

2008: A Year of Change. Follow Jim Bailey on his rabid quest to hike every possible weekend between March and November, despite living in New England with its record-breaking weather. Read More...

You have been invited on a summer backpacking trip that will cover 30 miles in one day, including 2,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, and your anticipated pack weight will be 15-20 pounds. You have 15 weeks to prepare. What is the best way to get your body and mind ready for such an outing? Read More...

While practice is the real key to improving the quality of your homemade gear, there are some tools and techniques that can help you along the way. Knowing which tools to have and how to best use them will maximize the quality of the gear you build. Read More...

Foot entrapment among submerged rocks is the leading killer of whitewater boaters. Think about it: the most common way to die while boating is by doing something OUTSIDE your boat! Read More...

Wet reentry is one of the most common rescues you'll perform while packrafting. Be sure to work the kinks out of your technique ahead of time so this self-rescue tool will be honed when you need it. Read More...

This light fleece top is designed as a light winter pullover for snow conditions. It is very simple and styled as an anorak, rather than opening right down the front. Read More...

Seven packrafters with a total of over thirty-five years of experience under their bums share the safety gear they won't be without, skills that have kept them coming back for more, common - and dangerous - mistakes, and real life rescue stories. Read More...

Seven packrafters with a total of over thirty-five years of experience under their bums share the safety gear they won't be without, skills that have kept them coming back for more, common - and dangerous - mistakes, and real life rescue stories. Read More...

There you are, way out in the wilderness in bad weather, getting ready for dinner, and your canister stove fails. Now what? Rescue in the field is possible for many problems: learn rescue how-to and the technical details of why it has happened. Read More...

While perhaps a touch extreme, running Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (RRR) is not uncommon within trail running circles. But within hiking circles, this trek does not seem to garner much attention, when there are few trips, mile-for-mile, hour-for-hour, that compare. In one day, you pass through 1.6 billion years of geology (four times) and span the grandest Big Ditch in the world (twice). Read More...

Seven packrafters with a total of over thirty-five years of experience under their bums share the safety gear they won't be without, skills that have kept them coming back for more, common - and dangerous - mistakes, and real life rescue stories. Read More...

Want to try tenting in the snow, but haven't done it before and not sure how? Haven't time in the evening to build a snow cave or an igloo just for one night? We walk you through the basics of what gear you need, how to choose a good site, how to create a platform, and how to pitch your tent (or a tarptent if you are brave). Read More...

Fate stepped in and pushed me down some steps in November 2006, breaking my fibula at the ankle, requiring surgical repair. I asked my surgeon if I could backpack the following summer, and he said "If you can get your pack down to thirty pounds, you can backpack." My lightweight journey was launched in earnest. Read More...

Backpacking Light's Andrew Skurka on Vapor Barrier Liners: What they are, how they work, and when to use them. Read More...

Foremost among the challenges that spring hikers face is the presence of melting snow and the prospect of continuously wet feet. Ryan Jordan presents his two favorite footwear systems for cold or warm spring conditions. Read More...

Highlights from the April 2008 Rescue 3 International Whitewater Rescue Technician course for packrafters held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Read More...

Carol Crooker's essay on enlightenment shows that Mother Nature can be a pushy broad, but she gets the job done. Read More...

The true story of how Jamie survived in the woods with his paper coat. Read More...

Backpacking Light's Wilderness Trekking School Photo Essay. Read More...

Steve Hinkle relays that carrying all the comforts of home ultimately made for a miserable trail experience, and how shedding "comforts" was actually more pleasant in the long run. Read More...

How do BPL Staffers stay warm, hydrated, and caffeinated in the backcountry? Read More...

"I guess I first realized my pack weight had to change when I was in intensive care recovering from a bad fishing trip." Read More...

Lightweight Testimony: Tony Wong Finds, Loses, and Rediscovers a Lightweight Passion. Read More...

After using the original snow stakes in extreme conditions, the design has been enhanced to extend the life of both your snow stakes and your guylines. Read More...

Cold & wet: really only good when it describes your dog's nose. But you can still be comfy in these conditions with the right (lightweight) gear. Read More...

This silnylon mountain poncho covers both you and your pack against some of the worst weather, allows ease of movement on mixed terrain, and isn't prone to condensation. Read More...

Chris Townsend and the Pertex/Pile Revolution. Read More...

Roger Caffin shares his adventure in misadventure. Read More...

Kevin Sawchuk shares his how-to on fast day hikes, and his why-to, too. Read More...

Chris Townsend shares his sandal wearing experience. Read More...

Ryan Jordan shares his foot care advice for sandal-packing. Read More...

Essentials commentary from BackpackingLight Publisher, Ryan Jordan. Read More...

Mike Clelland! has gone stakeless! Read More...

Roman Dial demystifies whitewater for the packrafter wanting to understand the natural progression of learning to packraft in the context of increasingly difficult whitewater. Read More...

Packrafters need to limit their gear so it fits on the bow of their six-foot-long craft. This means dehydrated food for dinner, sleeping under a tarp and wearing wet clothes dry. What is river running like when big rafts haul the food and gear...Can an ultralight packrafter be enticed to the dark side? Read More...

Carrying a lightweight pack has consequences, but they might not be what you think. Read More...

Complete instructions to construct a 2.8 ounce (size L), waterproof, wide-brimmed hat. Read More...

Following the Review of the ULA Helix Potty Trowel, there was considerable discussion on the Backpacking Light Forum (MYOG, DIY walking axe) regarding the use of a light "ice axe" in areas where one's life or ultimate safety would not be an issue. The author, Steven Evans, asked specific questions regarding the required length of such an ice axe, the general use of such an ice axe, and what people used in situations where a UIAA-certified ice axe would be overkill, but where a tool of some sort would be nice to have. Such a tool could be used to assist in small steep sections of snow and ice and general up-hill travel in less then desirable conditions, but it would have a weight which would be negligible on one's back when not in use. This project was born from that discussion. Read More...

Avoiding and treating hypothermia in the backcountry with ultralight equipment. Read More...

The Brunton Stove Stand is a nice bit of engineering, but is it really of any use? Oh yes: it can be turned into a neat winter stove with just a little DIY effort. Read More...

Andrew Skurka's insights and techniques for early season trekking can dramatically increase the length of your normal hiking season. Read More...

For the hardcore ultralighter, cooking over wood fires in the winter offers a way to substantially reduce pack weight on longer trips, adds a bit of warmth around camp, and forces you to learn fire skills that just might save your life someday. Read More...

Bill Stadwiser explores the practical and emotional rewards of cooking over wood in the backcountry. Read More...

Lightweight and stable titanium snow anchors that are easy to make Read More...

Pulk techniques for winter travel over snow Read More...

In "Notes from the Field - Bushwhacking Shell" I discussed commercial shirts and a shell top I make for myself and my wife. Instructions for making my design are given here. Read More...

In ‘Notes from the Field - Bushwhacking Gear - Trousers’ I discussed commercial trousers and some I make for myself and my wife. Instructions for making my design are given here. Read More...

A clean, simple way to attach guylines to your tarp or shelter Read More...

You say your SUL pack doesn’t have enough pockets? Using inexpensive materials, add some storage with ultralight appeal. Read More...

A better way to apply seam sealer, producing a nearly factory perfect look. Read More...

Complete instructions for making your own SUL carbon trekking poles from fishing, golf, and kite parts. Read More...

Based on our research and testing, we recommend lightweight footwear systems for specific conditions and activities. In addition, our Backpacking Light staffers describe their favorite systems, and two ultralight nomads – Andrew Skurka and Chris Townsend – share their wisdom. Read More...

We cover the components of a lightweight footwear system – shoes/boots, footbeds, socks, vapor barriers, booties, overboots, and gaiters (everything on or around the foot), discuss the pros and cons of different options, and identify our favorites. Read More...

High-tech gear to keep your feet dry and warm is useless without the proper knowledge on how to use it, and that’s especially true for lightweight footwear in cold and wet conditions. Read More...

Lightweight, tough gaiters that are suitable for bushwhacking and easy to make. Read More...

Tips for igloo living and interior climate graphs to show you why you want to camp in an igloo. Read More...

Igloo building is a fun wintertime activity to share with family, friends, or Scouts. Build a warming hut in your favorite skiing or snowshoeing area, construct an igloo for a backcountry base camp, or design your own hut system! The Grand Shelters Icebox Igloo Building Tool does a lot of the work for you, but you’ll still need to master some essential techniques. Read More...

Complete instructions to construct a 3.1-ounce, 1700-cubic inch pack. Read More...

Learn the tricks and techniques required to make a stable windshield out of floppy metal foil. Read More...

All the details you need to plan backcountry vegetarian meals that are nutritious and tasty. Read More...

Thorns, scrub and sandstone can rip ultralight clothing to shreds. What materials and construction techniques hold up to serious bushwhacking? Read More...

It seems obvious that backpack weight and daily mileage will be inversely proportional. But how many days, how many miles per day, and how much food weight are required in order to maximize the total distance traveled without resupply? And what happens when the theory is tested in the Arctic over 600 miles of America's most remote, roadless, uninhabited wilderness? Read More...

Complete instructions to construct a 6-ounce tarp with improved weather protection. Read More...

Complete instructions to construct a 0.2-ounce stuff sack sized right to compress a SUL tarp (Part 3) into a tidy 4 x 4 x 8 inch bundle. Read More...

Experiments from our readers and staff on trimming weight from winter stoves. Read More...

Drinking untreated backcountry water can make you sick - but choosing your drinking spots intelligently can greatly reduce that risk. Here, a doctor shares the methods that have kept him healthily "sipping the waters" for the past 20 years. Read More...

Not for the frail at heart, in this article we dive into making a SUL tarp, pack, and stuff sack out of a single 5-yard piece of spinnaker fabric. Read More...

Complete step-by-step instructions on how to size, cut and glue a tidy sleeping pad system. Read More...

Poncho Tarps are not just for the eccentric. Learn how to use them in foul weather and save considerable weight and simplify your gear kit. Read More...

Features for a lightweight backpacker to look for in a digital or film camera. Read More...

Instructions on how to properly sew two workhorse stitches. Read More...

Why standard reinforcement stitches may not be suitable for your lightweight fabric, which ones are, and how to sew them. Read More...

A tarp and tent ridgeline standard thanks to its water impeding fold. Read More...

Sewing machine setup instructions with photos, and tips for sewing lightweight fabrics. Read More...

Have you tried a double windscreen to maintain alcohol and fuel tab stove performance in the wind? It really works, and one piece doubles as a GearSheet. Read More...

The theory (Bernoulli Effect, laminar and turbulent flow) behind how wind affects backcountry cooking. Read More...

The winners of the Backpacking Light Trip Planning Spreadsheet Contest are a diverse group. Read More...

Formulas and theory for predicting possible distances and times with ultralight gear for long distance backpacking. Read More...

Complete step-by-step instructions on how to convert a mummy bag to an arc quilt. Read More...

Using Backpacking Light Titanium Alloy UltraRods to build a sturdy, and now heat resistant, sub-0.20 oz (5.7 g) Z-Stand pot support for alcohol and solid fuel stoves. Read More...

Go wild - leave the TP at home. Read More...

Many canister stove models become excellent cold weather performers with a simple twist. Read More...

Fuel fundamentals and basic flame chemistry explained so that canister stove cold weather performance can be optimized. Read More...

Complete step-by-step instructions on how to construct an efficient alcohol stove windscreen. Read More...

Reader submissions of spreadsheet files used for trip planning and gear lists. Read More...

Using Backpacking Light's Titanium Alloy UltraRods to Build a Sturdy 0.15 oz (4.2 g) Z-Stand Pot Support for Alcohol and Solid Fuel Stoves Read More...

Complete step-by-step instructions on how to cut, reshape, and reseal a self-inflating pad. Read More...

Complete lightweight camera and accessories setup for the professional backcountry photographer. Read More...

Complete step-by-step instructions on how to make a lightweight and unique pot stand. Read More...

Ultralight fly fishing gear for the backpacker fishing on the move. Read More...

Outdoor writer Larry Tullis brings a lightweight ethic to backcountry fishing. Read More...

Perspectives on footwear and foot care from a type II diabetic backpacker. Read More...

Complete step by step instructions on how to construct an open jet alcohol stove that looks as good as it works. Read More...

SUL for the masses? Perspectives on comfortable gear - with a suggested gear checklist - for a non-technical canyoneering backpacking trip requiring less than five pounds of gear on your back. Read More...

How lightweight backpacking gear has kept the author on the trail at 70. Read More...

The basics of selecting trail food that is appetizing, energizing, and easy to prepare. Read More...

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Water prep in the winter is a time- and fuel-consuming chore. Learn tips and tricks to save time and weight in this treatise on lightweight winter water prep using a white gas stove. Read More...

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Systematic analysis of considerations for evaluating a GPS system of lightweight equipment and software for efficient navigation. Read More...

A short primer on the topic of backcountry hygiene to help you minimize the risk of contracting stomach-borne illnesses while in the backcountry. Read More...

A brief review of bear bag hanging techniques with a focus on minimizing weight and maximizing simplicity. Read More...

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Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking, 1st Edition (August 2002) Read More...

Backcountry Travel on Snowshoes for Lightweight Backpackers Read More...

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High Exertion Moisture Accumulation in Rain and Wind Shells Read More...

The Science of Breathability and Its Impact on Raingear Selection and Use Read More...

Lightweight Backpacking 101: An Introductory Manual for Lightening Your Load Today (1st Edition - August 2001) Read More...

Face-Off: First Aid and Emergency Gear Read More...

The Petersen Test Methods for Evaluating Shell Clothing Performance Read More...

Nutritional Considerations for Cold Weather Hiking Read More...

Homemade Canister Stove Windscreen Read More...

Lightweight First Aid Kits for Hiking Read More...